Emotion training improved performance during simulated combat stress
Soldiers receiving emotional intelligence training performed better on several stress tasks than those receiving control training, in a trial within an elite military setting.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Emotional intelligence training improved shooting accuracy and other performance measures when soldiers faced intense simulated combat stress. The trained group also had lower measured biological stress than controls. These results support further investigation in demanding settings, but they do not show that the training prevents burnout or produces the same benefits in civilian workplaces.
The abstract describes a small, specialized military sample. It does not identify the biological stress measures or report lasting effects, so this abstract-based account cannot establish broader workplace or long-term benefits.
What researchers found
Shooting accuracy
Emotional intelligence versus control training during simulated combat stress after 15 hours of instruction; p < .001. Longer-term follow-up was not reported.
Training and testing
Instruction focused on recognizing, understanding, and regulating emotions. Researchers then examined performance under simulated combat pressure, including shooting, recall of mission details, mathematical calculations, and persistence during a cold-water task.
Performance is the measured outcome
The trained soldiers also recalled more mission details and performed better on calculations under pressure. These are task-specific outcomes; the abstract's suggestion of improved employee well-being or reduced burnout extends beyond the outcomes it reports.
The original publication
Emotional intelligence training improves stress regulation and performance in high-stress occupations.
King JB, Li Y, Gillespie NA et al.
Sci Rep · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41618102
- Record checked
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